Ham is the most popular dinner meal for Easter in the United States because it is a traditional, flavorful, and versatile dish. Ham has been a traditional Easter meal in the United States since colonial times. It is an easy-to-prepare and delicious dish, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Easter ham can be served as a roasted, baked, or grilled main course, as well as a cold cut in sandwiches and salads.
It pairs well with a variety of side dishes and can be dressed up for a gourmet meal or kept simple for a casual gathering. The salty, smoky flavor of ham is also a favorite and provides a great contrast to the sweet flavors of classic Easter desserts like hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies. The versatility of ham also makes it a popular choice for large family gatherings since it can feed a crowd and be served in a variety of ways. Ham is an affordable, crowd–pleasing meal that can be enjoyed by all, making it the perfect choice for a traditional Easter dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 TBS boneless ham – about 7 pounds
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 eight-ounce can of pineapple rings in juice, drained and juice reserved
- 1 cup honey
- maraschino cherries
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium size bowl, mix the brown sugar and yellow mustard. Add more mustard if needed to create a pourable sauce.
- Score the ham all over with 1/2-inch deep cuts. If you want to be fancy, make the cuts in a diagonal, diamond pattern.
- Put the ham in a roasting pan and drizzle the honey, reserved pineapple juice, and brown sugar over the top of it.
- Attach the pineapple rings decoratively on the ham with wooden toothpicks. Place cherries inside the rings and secure with toothpicks.
- Bake the ham for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, basting it every 15 minutes with juices from the roasting pan. When baking ham, a good rule of thumb is to bake it for 10 minutes per pound at 350°F. To check if it is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. If it reads 140°F, the ham is done. You can also check for doneness by looking for clear juices and a lightly browned surface. When pierced with a fork, the ham should be tender and juicy.
Serve your Easter ham with your choice of side dishes.
Some of the most popular side dishes to serve with ham at Easter are roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and potatoes, spring salads like potato salad and coleslaw, casseroles like mac and cheese and green bean casserole, and classic Easter desserts like hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies.
Pre-order everything you need for Easter brunch or dinner from The Butcher Shop.
One of the best parts of living in Oregon is having access to fresh and delicious meats and produce. That’s why The Butcher Shop always carries locally sourced meats and produce from farms right here in Southern Oregon. At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meal, plus fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food specifically for your canine. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients for your gathering.